Light for a basketball system

ABSTRACT

A lighting system for a basketball system may be movable between a first position in which the lighting system is disposed behind the backboard and a second position in which the lighting system is disposed in front of the backboard to allow maintenance to be performed on the lighting system. When the lighting system is in the second position, the lights are preferably disposed at least proximate the rim. Advantageously, the lighting system may be pivotally connected to the support pole of the basketball system by at least some of the same structure that connects the basketball goal to the support pole. In addition, if the height of the basketball goal is adjustable, that may allow the height of the lights to be adjusted when the lighting system is in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/760,720, entitled Light for a BasketballSystem, which was filed on Jan. 20, 2006, and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to basketball systems and, inparticular, to a light for a basketball system.

2. Description of Related Art

Basketball has become a very popular sport and it is frequently playedindoors and outdoors. Indoor basketball courts, however, are oftenrelatively expensive to construct and may not be readily available.Accordingly, basketball is often played outdoors. Unfortunately, manypeople have jobs, school, family and/or other commitments during the daythat prevents them from playing basketball during the day. Thus,basketball is often played outdoors in the evening or at night.Disadvantageously, it is often difficult to play basketball in theevening because there is not sufficient light.

It is known to use a lighting system to allow basketball to be played atnight. Many conventional outdoor lighting systems, however, do notprovide sufficient light for playing basketball. For example, someconventional lighting systems may fail to adequately illuminate theplaying surface, the basketball backboard or the basketball rim. Inaddition, many conventional lighting systems can be expensive topurchase and time consuming to install. Further, many such lightingsystems require large and complex support structures. These knownlighting systems may also be difficult to repair and maintain. Forexample, many conventional lighting systems require a very tall ladder,such as twelve to fifteen feet in height, to replace the light bulbs.

Some conventional outdoor lighting systems include lights that arepositioned four to five feet above and four to five feet in front of thebasketball backboard. This is an area, however, where players often lookwhile playing basketball. For example, many players attempting torebound a basketball will look directly into the lights, which cansubstantially impair their vision and may be distracting.

These known lighting systems with the lights four to five feet above andfour to five feet in front of the basketball backboard may alsointerfere with playing or practicing basketball because the basketballmay strike the lights while the ball is in play. For example, the ballmay strike the lights or the support structure for the lights whileshooting a high arcing shot, when attempting a shot from the sides ofthe court or when trying a desperation shot. When the lights are struckby the basketball, they can be broken or damaged. In addition, becausethese known lighting systems may intrude into the court or area of play,this may disrupt or stop the game. If play is stopped or disrupted, thegame or practice may have to be reset or restarted. Disadvantageously,this may have a negative impact on the game or practice.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a basketball system that reduces oreliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.

One aspect is a basketball system that may include a basketball goal,which may include a backboard, a rim and a net connected to the rim. Thebasketball system may also include a support structure that is sized andconfigured to support the basketball goal at a desired height above aplaying surface. The support structure may consist of a support pole andthe support pole may consist of a single segment or it may consist ofmultiple segments that are interconnected.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a basketball goalthat is adjustable in height. For example, the basketball goal may bedisposed so that the rim is located ten feet above the playing surface,which is the conventional height for a basketball goal. The basketballgoal may also be disposed in other positions so that the rim is locatedat other heights. In particular, the rim may be located at lowerheights, such as nine feet, eight feet, seven feet, six feet, or otherdesired heights. The rim may also be located at a greater height, ifdesired. Advantageously, this may allow a wide range of people withdifferent abilities and skills to use the basketball system.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may be capable of beingdisposed in a fixed or permanent location. For example, the basketballsystem may be an in-ground basketball system. The basketball system mayalso be a portable basketball system that is sized and configured to bemoved from one location to another location. For instance, thebasketball system may be connected to a base that is sized andconfigured to be filled with ballast such as water or sand. The portablebasketball system may include wheels to facilitate movement of thebasketball system. The portable basketball system may also include ahandle that may be used to help move the basketball system from onelocation to another location.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a rim thatcan be moved or pivoted. For example, the rim may be a break-away typerim in which the rim may move or pivot downwardly when a large force orimpact is applied to the rim, such as when a player dunks a basketballor grabs the rim.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a lightingsystem. The lighting system may include one or more lights and thelighting system may facilitate playing basketball in various lightingconditions. Preferably, the lighting system amply illuminates at least aportion of the playing surface, backboard, rim and net to allow playingbasketball at night or in low lighting conditions.

A still further aspect is a basketball system that may include alighting system which does not interfere with playing basketball. Forexample, the lighting system may include lights that are positionedbehind the basketball goal. In particular, the lights may be positionedbehind the basketball backboard. With the lights positioned behind thebasketball backboard, players are not likely to hit the lights whileshooting and the ball is unlikely to hit the lights when bouncing offthe rim or backboard. Thus, the lighting system is unlikely to interferewith playing or practicing basketball. Also, positioning the lightsbehind the basketball backboard may significantly decrease the chancesthat the lights will be struck by a basketball, which may decrease therisk that the lights could damaged or broken. Furthermore, with thelights positioned behind the basketball backboard, players are lesslikely to look directly into the lights when rebounding, which may helpplayers from being temporarily distracted or blinded.

Yet another further aspect is a basketball system that may include alighting system with one or more lights that may face in one or moredesired directions. For example, the lights may face downwardly,sideways, upwardly or at various angles. Preferably, the lights aremovable or adjustable so that the lights can be positioned in anydesired direction or location.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a lighting systemand a basketball goal. The basketball goal may include a basketballbackboard and the backboard may be constructed from a material throughwhich at least some light may be transmitted. Thus, light from thelighting system may pass through the backboard to illuminate, forexample, the rim and net. Advantageously, this may create a lightingsystem with fewer shadows and improved visibility.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a lightingsystem with a support structure that is sized and configured to supportthe lights. The lighting support structure is preferably sized andconfigured to hold the lights in a generally fixed position behind thebasketball goal. For example, the lighting support structure may have agenerally T-shaped configuration with a first light attached to one endof an elongated support member and a second light attached to the otherend of the support member. The lights are preferably spaced apart tohelp provide a wider breadth of illumination. The lighting system ispreferably constructed of metal tubing, such as one inch by three inchrectangular tubing or two inch by three inch rectangular tubing. Ofcourse, the lighting system may be constructed from other suitablematerials and may have other appropriate shapes, sizes, configurationsand arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of thelighting system or basketball system.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a lightingsystem that may move between a first position in which the lights arepositioned for use and a second position in which the lights arepositioned for maintenance. For example, in the first position, thelights may be positioned behind the basketball goal and the basketballbackboard, which may allow the basketball system to be used for playingor practicing. In the second position, the lights may be positioned formaintenance, such as changing the light bulbs.

Still yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include alighting system which may be secured in a first position and/or secondposition. For example, the lighting system may include an elongatedsupport member that is pivotally connected to a support structure, suchas a support pole. In particular, the elongated support member mayinclude a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion that ispivotally connected to a top portion of the support pole. When thelighting support structure is in the first position, the first end ofthe elongated support member may be connected to the support pole by afastener, such as a bolt, bracket, clip, strap and the like. To move thelighting support structure from the first position to the secondposition, the first end of the elongated support member may bedisconnected from the support pole.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a lightingsystem with a biasing member. The biasing member may be sized andconfigured to bias the lighting system into a desired position. Thebiasing member could also be sized and configured to facilitate movingthe lighting system between the positions. The biasing member may be adampener, spring, shock, elastic member and the like. The lightingsystem, however, does not require a biasing member.

A still further aspect is a basketball system that may include alighting system which is movable between a first position and a secondposition, and a retaining member that is sized and configured to limitthe movement of the lighting system. The retaining member, which couldbe a line, tether, chain, rope, cable, cord or the like, could restrictthe movement of the lighting system to help prevent the lighting supportstructure from pivoting or moving past a desired position. Thus, theretaining member may limit the rotational movement of the lightingsystem. This may prevent the lighting system from inadvertently hittingother objects such as the basketball goal, the ground and the like.

Yet another further aspect is a basketball system with a heightadjustable basketball goal and a lighting system. Advantageously, thelighting system may not hinder or interfere with adjusting the height ofthe basketball goal. In addition, the height adjustable basketball goalmay be used to position the lighting system at a desired height. Forexample, the lighting system may be positioned so that it contacts anupper portion of the basketball goal. Because the height of thebasketball goal may be adjusted, the height of the lighting system mayalso be adjusted. This may allow, for example, the lights to be moreeasily changed because the height of the lights may be adjusted.Accordingly, a tall ladder may not be required to change the lights ofthe lighting system.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a lighting systemwhich can be quickly and easily connected to a basketball system. Forexample, the basketball system may include a basketball goal, a supportstructure and a connecting structure that connects the basketball goalto the support structure. The connecting structure may include a firstpair of arms connected to the support structure and the basketball goal,and a second pair of arms connected to the support pole and thebasketball goal. The first pair of arms may be connected to the supportstructure by a fastener, such as a bolt, and the lighting system may beconnected to the support structure by the same bolt.

Still another aspect is a lighting system for a basketball system thatmay include a basketball goal, a support structure that is sized andconfigured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface, and aconnecting structure that connects the basketball goal and the supportstructure. The lighting system may be movable between a first positionand a second position relative to the support structure of thebasketball system. For example, in the first position, the lightingsystem may be disposed behind the basketball goal and the basketballsystem may be capable of being used. In the second position, thelighting system may be at least partially disposed in front of thebasketball goal to allow maintenance to be performed on the lightingsystem. The lighting system may include a lighting support structurewith a first end, a second end and a connecting portion disposed betweenthe first end and the second end. The connecting portion is preferablypivotally connected to the support structure of the basketball system tofacilitate movement of the lighting system between the first and secondpositions. The lighting system may also include one or more lightsattached to the first end of the lighting support structure. Inaddition, the lighting system may include an attachment mechanism thatselectively connects the second end of the lighting support structure tothe support structure of the basketball system to secure the lightingsystem in the first position. Advantageously, the connecting structureof the basketball system may be pivotally connected to the supportstructure of the basketball system by a connecting member or bracket andthe connecting portion of the lighting system Xs pivotally connected tothe same connecting member or bracket.

Yet another aspect is a lighting system for a basketball system. Thelighting system may include lighting support structure with a first end,a second end and a connecting portion disposed between the first end andthe second end. The connecting portion may be sized and configured to bepivotally connected to a support structure of the basketball system. Inaddition, the lighting support structure may be movable between a firstposition in which the lighting system is disposed behind the backboardand the basketball system capable of being used, and a second positionin which the lighting support structure is at least partially disposedin front of the backboard and to allow maintenance to be performed onthe lighting system. The lighting system may also include one or morelights attached to the first end of the lighting support structure. Thelighting system may further include an attachment mechanism thatselectively connects the second end of the lighting support structure tothe support structure of the basketball system to secure the lightingsystem in the first position.

Advantageously, the basketball goal and the lighting system may bepivotally connected to the support structure of the basketball system bythe same structure. In addition, the basketball system may include aheight adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the basketballgoal to be adjusted relative to the playing surface. Because thelighting support structure preferably contacts the basketball goal whenthe lighting system is in the second position, the height of thelighting system in the second position may be adjusted by adjusting theheight of the basketball goal. Further, because the lights of thelighting system are preferably disposed at least proximate the rim whenthe lighting system is in the second position, that may allowmaintenance to be more easily performed on the lighting system.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments tofurther illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantagesand features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that thesedrawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are notintended to limit its scope. The invention will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary basketball system andan exemplary lighting system, illustrating the lighting system in a useposition;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of a portion of thebasketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the basketball system and lightingsystem shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the lighting system in amaintenance position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the basketballsystem shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the attachment of the lightingsystem to the basketball system; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary lighting system thatmay be used in connection with a basketball system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards lights for abasketball system. The principles of the present invention, however, arenot limited to lights for basketball systems. It will be understoodthat, in light of the present disclosure, the lights and lighting systemdisclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other typesof support structures, sporting equipment and the like.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the lights for abasketball system, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right andleft are used to describe the accompanying figures, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated that the lights andthe basketball system can also be located in a variety of other desiredpositions and locations.

Further, the lights and lighting system are described below inconnection with an exemplary basketball system. It will be understoodthat the basketball system could have other suitable aspects, features,components, shapes, sizes, arrangements, configurations and the likedepending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.A detailed description of the lights for a basketball system nowfollows.

As seen in FIG. 1, the basketball system 10 may include a supportstructure 12 that is sized and configured to support the basketballsystem relative to a playing surface. The support structure 12 mayconsist of an elongated support member, such as a pole 14. The pole 14may include one or more segments that are interconnected, which mayfacilitate u shipping and transportation of the basketball system 10, orthe pole may consist of a single elongated structure. The pole 14preferably has a hollow interior to decrease the weight of the supportstructure 12 and the pole may have a generally square cross-sectionalconfiguration. The pole 14 is also preferably constructed fromrelatively strong and durable materials, such as steel, but it may alsobe constructed from other materials with suitable properties andcharacteristics. It will be appreciated that the pole 14 and/or thesupport structure 12 may have other suitable shapes, sizes,configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon theintended use of the basketball system 10. For example, the supportstructure 12 could include multiple components and/or segments, the polecould be disposed at various angles, and the like.

The basketball system 10 may be part of a portable basketball systemthat is capable of being moved or a permanent system that is intended toremain in a fixed location. For example, the support structure 12 may beconnected to a base to form part of a portable basketball system. Thesupport structure 12 may also be connected to the ground to form anin-ground or permanent basketball system 10. Advantageously, thebasketball system 10 may be used in connection with either a portable orpermanent basketball system.

The basketball system 10 may include a basketball goal 18, which mayinclude a basketball backboard 20. The backboard 20 may consist of asingle structure or it may include multiple components that areinterconnected. For example, the backboard 20 may include a reboundmember 22 and a frame 24. The rebound member 22 may consist of a sheetof acrylic material with a generally planar front surface and therebound member may be generally transparent or translucent to allowlight to pass through the backboard 20.

In particular, the rebound member 22 is preferably constructed from arelatively clear, transparent and/or translucent material, which mayallow light from a lighting system to pass though the rebound member. Inaddition, all or a portion of the rebound member 22 may be tinted,colored, painted, silk-screened and like. The rebound member 22 may alsoinclude a coating, finish, layer, film or the like. Therefore, ifdesired, the rebound member 22 may include graphics, designs and thelike depending, for example, upon the intended aesthetics and/or use ofthe backboard 20. It will be appreciated that the rebound member 22 maybe constructed from other suitable materials with appropriatecharacteristics such as glass, plastic, polycarbonate and the like. Itwill also be appreciated that the rebound member 22 may be constructedfrom opaque materials, if desired.

The frame 24 is preferably sized and configured to support the reboundmember 22. For example, the frame 24 could be disposed proximate theouter surface or perimeter of the rebound member 22. The frame 24 ispreferably constructed from a relatively strong and durable material,such as steel, and the frame may be constructed from any suitable numberof parts or components. If desired, the frame 24 may be sized andconfigured to allow as much light as possible to be transmitted throughthe rebound member 22. For example, the frame 24 may have a relativelysmall profile, be connected only to the outer portions of the reboundmember and/or be constructed from transparent or translucent materials.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the backboard 20 may have agenerally rectangular configuration with the rebound member 22 generallydisposed within the frame 24. Preferably the front surface of therebound member 22 is generally aligned with the front surface of theframe 24 so that the backboard has a generally planar front face, butthe rebound member and frame do not have to be aligned. It will beappreciated that the backboard 20, rebound member 22 and frame 24 couldhave various suitable sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangementsdepending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system10. In addition, the rebound member 22 and frame 24 could be part of aunitary structure and constructed from the same material, such asplastic, if desired.

The frame 24 may also include various support members. For example, asshown in FIG. 2, the frame 24 may include various horizontal andvertical support members. The horizontal and vertical support membersmay be interconnected and/or connected to an outer portion of the frame24. As discussed below, the support members may facilitate attachment ofthe rim to the backboard 20 and/or attachment of the backboard to thesupport structure 12. It will be understood that the backboard 20,rebound member 22, frame 24 and support members could have othersuitable numbers, sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangementsdepending, for example, upon the intended use or design of thebasketball system 10. It will also be appreciated that the varioussupport members are not required.

As shown in FIG. 1, the basketball goal 18 may include a rim 26 and anet may be attached to the rim. The rim 26 may be pivotal or movable tocreate a break-away type rim. In particular, the rim 26 may be sized andconfigured to pivot or move downwardly when a force that exceeds apredetermined amount is applied to the rim. Thus, for example, if aplayer dunks the basketball or grasps the rim with a force that exceedsa certain amount, then the rim 26 may pivot or move downwardly.Advantageously, this may help prevent the rim 26 from being bent,deformed or otherwise damaged.

In greater detail, the rim 26 may be connected to a break-away type rimmechanism 28 that allows the rim to pivot or more downwardly when asignificant force or impact is applied to the rim. The rim 26 may besecurely attached to the break-away type rim mechanism 28 by welding,fasteners and the like. In addition, the rim 26 and break-away type rimmechanism 28 may be integrally formed if desired.

The break-away type rim mechanism 28 is preferably at leastsubstantially disclosed within an enclosure 30. Advantageously, if thebreak-away type rim mechanism 28 is contained within the enclosure 30,then that may help protect the break-away type rim mechanism fromdamage. In addition, the enclosure 30 may help prevent items or objectsfrom being caught in the break-away type rim mechanism 28. Further, theenclosure 30 may help protect the break-away type rim mechanism 28 fromthe elements if the basketball system 10 is used outdoors.

The basketball system 10 may also include a connecting structure 32 thatis sized and configured to connect the basketball goal 18 to the supportstructure 12. The connecting structure 32 preferably allows the heightof the basketball goal 18 to be adjusted. In order to facilitateadjustment of the basketball goal 18, a height adjustment mechanism 34may be used. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the height adjustmentmechanism 34 may include a first end 36 that is connected to the supportstructure 12 by a handle 38 and a second end 40 that is connected to aportion of the connecting structure 32. The height adjustment mechanism34 may include one or more biasing members that are sized and configuredto bias the basketball goal 18 into a desired position. In particular,the height adjustment mechanism 34 may include a first biasing member 42and a second biasing member 44. The first biasing member 42 may includeone end connected to the first end 36 and/or handle 38 of the heightadjustment mechanism 34 and the other end connected to the supportstructure 12. The second biasing member 42 may include one end connectedto the second end 40 of the height adjustment mechanism and the otherend connected to the support structure. The biasing members 42, 44 mayconsist of springs, gas spring, shocks and the like. The biasing members42, 44 may be sized and configured to bias the basketball goal 18 into adesired position and/or help maintain the basketball goal 18 in adesired position. It will be appreciated that the height adjustmentmechanism 34 and the biasing members 42, 44 may have a variety of sizes,shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon theintended use of the basketball system 10. It will also be appreciatedthat the height of the basketball goal 18 does not have to beadjustable, height adjustment mechanism 34 is not required, and one orboth of the biasing members 42, 44 are not required.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, the connecting structure 32 preferablyincludes one or more support members or arms that connect the supportstructure 12 and the basketball goal 18. In particular, the connectingstructure may include two pairs of arms that connect the supportstructure 12 and the basketball goal 18. The arms are preferablyconstructed from relatively strong and durable materials, such as steel,and the arms are preferably lightweight to help decrease the weight ofthe connecting structure 32. For example, the arms may be constructedfrom hollow steel tubes that have a generally rectangular cross-section.It will be appreciated that the arms could have other suitable sizes,shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon thesize, shape, configuration and arrangement of the support structure 12,basketball goal 18 and/or intended use of the basketball system 10. Itwill also be appreciated that the arms could be constructed from anysuitable number of parts and components.

In greater detail, as best seen in FIG. 2, the connecting structure 32may include a first pair of arms 46 connected to the support structure12 and the basketball goal 18. One end of the first pair of arms 46 ispreferably connected to the frame 24, such as the generally horizontalsupport members, by a fastener 48. The other end of the first pair ofarms 46 is preferably connected to the support structure 12 by afastener 50. In particular, as seen in FIG. 4, a bracket 52 may beconnected to the upper portion of the support structure 12 and thefastener 50 may connect the first pair of arms 46 to the bracket. Asshown in the accompanying figures, the first pair of arms 46 ispreferably connected to an upper portion of the frame 24 and an upperportion of the support structure 12. The first pair of arms 46 is alsopreferably pivotally connected to the support structure 12 and the frame24 to allow the height of the basketball goal 18 to be adjusted.

The connecting structure 32 may also include a second pair of arms 54connected to the support structure 12 and the basketball goal 18. Thesecond pair of arms 54 preferably includes a first end that is connectedto the frame 24, such as the generally horizontal support members, by afastener 56. The second end of the second pair of arms 54 is preferablyconnected to the support structure 12 by a fastener 58. The second pairof arms 54 is also preferably connected to a lower portion of the frame24 of the basketball goal 18 and a lower portion of the supportstructure 12. In addition, the second pair of arms 54 is preferablypivotally connected to the support structure 12 and the basketball goal18 by the fasteners 56, 58, respectively, to allow the height of thebasketball goal to be readily adjusted.

The end of the second pair arms 54 may extend beyond the supportstructure 12 to allow the height adjustment mechanism 34 to be connectedto the connecting structure 32. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, thesecond pair of arms 54 may include rearwardly extending portions 60 thatare connected to the height adjustment mechanism 34 by a bracket 62. Itwill be appreciated that the height adjustment mechanism 34 could beconnected to any suitable portions of the connecting structure 32, andthe height of the basketball goal 18 does not have to be adjustable. Itwill also be appreciated that the connecting structure 32 may have avariety of suitable sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangementsdepending, for example, upon the configuration of the basketball goal 18and/or support structure 12. In addition, it will be appreciated thatthe support structure 12, basketball goal 18 and connecting structure 32may be connected in other suitable manners and fashions.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the basketballsystem 10 described herein could include other features, aspects,components and the like. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the basketball system 10 could have other suitableshapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements. For example, thebasketball system 10 may include features, aspects, components and thelike, or have other shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, suchas disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,695,417; 5,879,247; 6,077,177;6,120,396; 6,273,834; 6,645,095; 6,422,957; 6,142,891; 6,419,598;6,699,146; 6,135,901; 6,419,597; 6,155,938; and 6,402,244. These patentsare incorporated by reference in their entireties. Thus, the basketballsystem 10 shown in the accompanying figures and described herein merelyillustrates an exemplary basketball system that may be used inconnection with the lighting system 64.

The lighting system 64 preferably includes an elongated supportstructure 66 with a first section 68 and a second section 70. As shownin FIG. 1, the first section 68 may extend generally vertically upwardand the second section 70 may extend generally horizontally. The firstsection 68 is preferably connected to the second section 70 by a bracket72. Thus, the first and section sections 68, 70 of the lighting supportstructure 66 may have a generally T-shaped configuration.

In greater detail, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the first section 68may include a first segment 74 and a second segment 76 that areinterconnected by a bracket 78. The first segment 74 is preferably anelongated member that extends along an axis in a generally straight lineand the second segment 76 is preferably curved or arched. In particular,the second segment 76 is preferably curved at about a ninety degreeangle (90°). Advantageously, this may make the first section 68 of thelighting support structure 66 easier to manufacture because the firstsegment 74 may simply be a relatively straight member and the secondsegment 76 may be a curved member. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe first section 68 could include any suitable number of segments or itcould also be a unitary structure. It will also be appreciated that thesegments 74, 76 may be connected in any suitable manner or fashion.

The second section 70 of the lighting support structure 66 is preferablya unitary structure that is connected to the end first section 68, butthe second section could include any suitable number of components orparts. One or more lights are preferably attached to the ends of thesecond section 70. In particular, a first light 80 is preferablyattached to a first end of the second section 70 and a second light 82is preferably attached to a second end of the second section. The lights80, 82 are preferably spaced apart to help illuminate the basketballgoal 18 and prevent shadows. The lights 80, 82 are also preferablymovable or adjustable so that the lights may face downwardly, sideways,upwardly, at various angles and the like. More preferably, the lights80, 82 are movable or adjustable so that the lights can be positioned inany desired direction or location, but the lights do not have to beadjustable. It will be appreciated that the lighting system 64 couldinclude any suitable number of lights 80, 82 and the lights could havevarious suitable arrangements and configurations.

The first and second sections 68, 70 of the lighting system 64 arepreferably constructed from metal tubing, such as one inch by three inchrectangular tubing or two inch by three inch rectangular tubing.Advantageously, the metal tubing may be relatively strong andlightweight. In addition, wires may be disposed within the tubing toallow power to be supplied to the lights 80, 82. The lighting system 68,70 may also be constructed from other suitable materials and may haveother appropriate shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangementsdepending, for example, upon the intended use of the lighting system 64and/or the basketball system 10.

The lighting system 64 is preferably movable relative to the supportstructure 12 between a first position in which the lighting system iscapable of being used and a second position for maintenance or repair.For example, the lighting support structure 66 may be pivotallyconnected to the support structure 12 to allow the lighting system 64 tomove between the first and second positions. In particular, the firstsection 68 of the lighting support structure 66 is preferably pivotallyconnected to an upper portion of the support structure 12. In greaterdetail, the first segment 74 of the first section 68 of the lightingsupport structure 66 is preferably pivotally connected to the upperportion of the support structure 12.

Specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first segment 74 may bepivotally attached to the support structure 12 by a first bracket 84 anda second bracket 86. The first bracket 84 may include one end that issecurely connected to the lighting support structure 66 by fasteners 86and a second end that is securely connected to the second bracket 86.The second bracket 86 may be pivotally connected to the supportstructure 12 by the fastener 50. Thus, the fastener 50 may allow boththe first pair of arms 46 of the connecting structure 32 and thelighting system 64 to be pivotally connected to the support structure12.

Advantageously, a portion of the first and second brackets 84, 86 may besized and configured to contact a portion of the bracket 52 attached tothe upper portion of the support structure 12 when the lighting system64 is in the use or first position. Thus, the brackets 52, 84, 86 mayhelp support the weight of the lighting system 64 when the lightingsystem is in the first position.

When the lighting system 64 is in the first position, an attachmentmechanism 88 may be used to secure the lighting system in the firstposition. The attachment mechanism 88 is preferably connected to an endof the first section 68 of the lighting support structure 66 and it issized and configured to maintain the lighting system 64 in a stationaryposition relative to the support structure 12. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment mechanism 88 may be a generally U-shapedbracket 90 that is sized and configured to be disposed about the supportstructure 12 and connected to the end of the lighting support structure66.

In addition, when the lighting system 64 is in the first position, thefirst section 68 of the lighting support structure 66 may be disposed ina generally vertical alignment and it may be disposed generally paralleland adjacent to the upper portion of the support structure 12. Theattachment mechanism 88 may be disposed about the support structure 12and attached to the end of the lighting support structure 66 to securethe lighting system 64 in the first position. When it is desired to movethe lighting system 64 from the first position to the second position,the attachment mechanism 88 may be disconnected and the lighting systemmay rotate or pivot relative to the support structure 12.Advantageously, the first section 68 of the lighting support structure66 may allow the lighting system 64 to only pivot or move forwardly.Although not shown in the accompanying figures, it will be appreciatedthat a biasing mechanism may be used to bias the lighting system into adesired position and/or assist in moving the lighting system between thefirst and second positions.

When the lighting system 64 is in the second position, as shown in FIGS.3 and 4, the attachment mechanism 88 is no longer attached to thesupport structure 12. In addition, the lighting system 64 preferablypivots forwardly and the lighting support structure 66 contacts thebackboard 20. Specifically, the first section 68 of the lighting supportstructure 66 preferably contacts an upper portion of the backboard 20.Advantageously, the bracket 78 interconnecting the first and secondsections 68, 70 may contact the backboard 20, which may help preventdamage to the lighting support structure 66, but any desired portion ofthe lighting system 64 may contact the backboard.

Significantly, when the lighting system 64 is in the second position,the lights 80, 82 may be easily replaceable. In particular, because thelighting support structure 66 contacts the backboard 20 and the secondsegment 76 is curved, the lights 80, 82 may be positioned at about thesame height as the rim 26. Thus, the lights 80, 82 may be at a height ofabout ten feet when the rim 26 is at a height of about ten feet.Advantageously, if the basketball system 10 is height adjustable, thenthe height of the lighting system 64 may also be adjustable when thelighting system is in the second position. Therefore, adjusting theheight of the basketball system 10 may also the height of the lights 80,82 to be adjusted. This may allow, for example, the lights 80, 82 to bepositioned at a relatively convenient height if the light bulbs need tobe replaced. For instance, if the height of the rim 26 may be positionedat about six feet, then the height of the lights 80, 82 may also bepositioned at about six feet which may make the lights mush easier toreplace.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting system may have other suitable sizes,shapes, configurations and arrangements. For example, the lightingsystem 100 shown in FIG. 5 may include a handle 102 and the handle maybe sized and configured to facilitate movement of the lighting systembetween the first and second positions. In particular, when the lightingsystem 100 is in the second position, the handle 102 may be sized andconfigured to help move the lighting system into the first position. Itwill be appreciated that the handle 102 could be used for differentpurposes and functions.

In greater detail, a first end 104 of the handle 102 may be pivotallyattached to the lighting system 100 and a second end 106 of the handlemay be movable relative to the lighting system. Preferably, the firstend 104 of the handle 102 is pivotally connected to a bracket 108 thatis connected to an end of the lighting system 100. The bracket 108 mayalso be used in connection with an attachment mechanism 110 to securethe lighting system 100 in the first position. The attachment mechanism110 may include two outwardly extending flanges 112, 114 that are sizedand configured to be disposed about the support structure when thelighting system is in the first position. One or more fasteners 116, 118may be used to secure the attachment mechanism 110 to the supportstructure and maintain the lighting system 100 in the first position. Itwill be appreciated that the attachment mechanism 110 may also haveother suitable shapes, sizes configurations and arrangements. Forexample, the flanges 112, 114 may be connected or disconnected to thebracket 108 and/or the support structure when it is desired to secure orrelease the lighting system 100 from the first position.

The lighting system 100 may also include other features and components.For example, the lighting system 100 could include a clip 120 that issized and configured to receive the second end 106 of the handle 102.The clip 120 could selectively receive and maintain the second end 106of the handle 102 in a fixed position and allow the handle to beselectively released. Thus, the clip 120 may help store the handle 102in a desired position. The clip 120 may also have other purposes andfunctions. For example, the clip 120 may maintain the handle 102 in apermanently fixed position relative to the support structure, ifdesired.

Advantageously, the lighting systems 64, 100 may not interfere withplaying or practicing basketball because, when the lighting system is inthe first or use position, the lights 80, 82 and the support structure12 are preferably positioned behind the basketball goal 18. Inparticular, the lights 80, 82 and the support structure 12 arepreferably positioned behind the basketball backboard 20. Because thebackboard 20 may be constructed from clear, transparent or translucentmaterials, light from the lighting systems 64, 100 may pass through thebackboard to illuminate the rim 26 and the playing surface.

The lights 80, 82 and the support structure 12 also preferably remainbehind the basketball goal 18 and backboard 20 in the first positioneven when the height of the basketball goal is being adjusted. That is,the lights 80, 82 and the support structure 12 preferably always remainbehind the basketball goal 18 and backboard 20 in the first positionregardless of the height of the basketball system 10. The lights 80, 82and a portion of the support structure 12 are preferably only positionedin front of the basketball goal 18 and the backboard 20 when thelighting system 64, 100 is in the second or maintenance position.

In operation, the lighting system 64, 100 may be disposed in the firstor use position to allow the basketball system 10 to be used by one ormore players. When maintenance of the lighting system 64, 100 isrequired, such as replacing the light bulbs, the attachment mechanism88, 110 may be detached or removed and the lighting system may be movedfrom the first position to the second position. In the second position,the lighting support structure preferably contacts an upper portion ofthe backboard 20 and the lights 80, 82 are preferably disposed proximatethe rim 26. The height adjustable mechanism 34 of the basketball goal 18may then be used to position the lighting system 64, 100 at a desiredheight.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferredembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claimswhich follow.

1. A lighting system for a basketball system, the system comprising: abasketball system comprising: a basketball goal; a support structurethat is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above aplaying surface; and a connecting structure that connects the basketballgoal and the support structure; and a lighting system that is movablebetween a first position and a second position, the first positionincluding the lighting system being disposed behind the basketball goaland the basketball system being capable of being used, the secondposition including the lighting system being at least partially disposedin front of the basketball goal and allowing maintenance to be performedon the lighting system, the lighting system comprising: a lightingsupport structure including a first end, a second end and a connectingportion disposed between the first end and the second end, theconnecting portion being pivotally connected to the support structure ofthe basketball system to facilitate movement of the lighting systembetween the first and second positions; one or more lights attached tothe first end of the lighting support structure; and an attachmentmechanism that selectively connects the second end of the lightingsupport structure to the support structure of the basketball system tosecure the lighting system in the first position, the attachmentmechanism being selectively releasable to allow the lighting system tomove between the first and second positions.
 2. The system as in claim1, wherein the connecting structure of the basketball system ispivotally connected to the support structure of the basketball system bya bracket and the connecting portion of the lighting system is pivotallyconnected to the same bracket.
 3. The system as in claim 1, wherein theconnecting structure of the basketball system is pivotally connected tothe support structure of the basketball system by a connecting memberand the connecting portion of the lighting system is pivotally connectedto the same connecting member.
 4. The system as in claim 1, furthercomprising a height adjustment mechanism connected to the basketballsystem that allows the height of the basketball goal to be adjustedrelative to the playing surface.
 5. The system as in claim 4, whereinthe lighting system is disposed behind the basketball goal regardless ofthe height of the basketball goal when the lighting system is disposedin the first position.
 6. The system as in claim 4, wherein the lightingsystem is disposed in front of the basketball goal regardless of theheight of the basketball goal when the lighting system is disposed inthe second position.
 7. The system as in claim 1, wherein the lightingsupport structure contacts the basketball goal when the lighting systemis in the second position.
 8. The system as in claim 1, furthercomprising a height adjustment mechanism connected to the basketballsystem that allows the height of the basketball goal to be adjustedrelative to the playing surface; wherein the lighting support structurecontacts the basketball goal when the lighting system is in the secondposition; and wherein adjusting the height of the basketball goal alsoadjusts the height of the lighting system when the lighting system is inthe second position.
 9. The system as in claim 1, wherein the basketballgoal includes a backboard and a rim; and wherein the lights of thelighting system are disposed at least proximate the rim when thelighting system is in the second position.
 10. The system as in claim 1,wherein the connecting structure of the basketball C system is pivotallyconnected to the support structure of the basketball system; wherein thelighting support structure of the lighting system is pivotally connectedto the support structure of the basketball system; and whereinconnecting structure of the basketball system is pivotally connected tothe lighting support structure of the lighting system.
 11. The system asin claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism has a generally U-shapedconfiguration and is sized and configured to be disposed about a portionof the support structure of the basketball system when the attachmentmechanism is attached to the lighting support structure and the lightingsupport structure is disposed in the first position.
 12. The system asin claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the lighting supportstructure, the handle being sized and configured to facilitate movingthe lighting support structure between the first and second positions.13. The system as in claim 12, further comprising a clip attached to thelighting support system that is sized and configured to receive aportion of the handle.
 14. The system as in claim 12, wherein the handleand the attachment mechanism are attached to the lighting supportstructure by one or more brackets.
 15. A lighting system for abasketball system, the basketball system including a basketball goalwith a backboard and a rim, a support structure that is sized andconfigured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface and aconnecting structure that connects the basketball goal and the supportstructure, the lighting system comprising: a lighting support structureincluding a first end, a second end and a connecting portion disposedbetween the first end and the second end, the connecting portion beingsized and configured to be pivotally connected to the support structureof the basketball system, the lighting support structure being movablebetween a first position and a second position, the first positionincluding the lighting system being disposed behind the backboard andthe basketball system capable of being used, the second positionincluding the lighting support structure being at least partiallydisposed in front of the backboard and allowing maintenance to beperformed on the lighting system; one or more lights attached to thefirst end of the lighting support structure; and an attachment mechanismthat selectively connects the second end of the lighting supportstructure to the support structure of the basketball system to securethe lighting system in the first position, the attachment mechanismbeing selectively releasable to allow the lighting system to movebetween the first and second positions.
 16. The system as in claim 15,wherein the connecting structure of the basketball system is pivotallyconnected to the support structure of the basketball system by aconnecting member and the connecting portion of the lighting system ispivotally connected to the same connecting member.
 17. The system as inclaim 15, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism connected tothe basketball system that allows the height of the basketball goal tobe adjusted relative to the playing surface; wherein the lightingsupport structure contacts the basketball goal when the lighting systemis in the second position; and wherein adjusting the height of thebasketball goal also adjusts the height of the lighting system when thelighting system is in the second position.
 18. The system as in claim15, wherein the lights of the lighting system are disposed at leastproximate the rim when the lighting system is in the second position.19. The system as in claim 15, wherein the connecting structure of thebasketball system is pivotally connected to the support structure of thebasketball system; wherein the lighting support structure of thelighting system is pivotally connected to the support structure of thebasketball system; and wherein connecting structure of the basketballsystem is pivotally connected to the lighting support structure of thelighting system.
 20. The system as in claim 15, further comprising ahandle attached to the lighting support structure, the handle beingsized and configured to facilitate moving the lighting support structurebetween the first and second positions.